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Stand-up paddleboarding is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Cotswolds. See the Cotswolds from a different perspective as you paddle along the River Avon, and get a good workout in, too!
Many of our Cotswold restaurants are nearby, where you can enjoy a delicious meal created from the freshest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Why not wash it down with a pint of our award-winning Butcombe beer?
Paddleboarding can be a lot of fun, and for those who don’t want to invest in their own equipment, there are many places in the Cotswolds where you can hire everything you need. After a tiring day, stop by one of our welcoming Cotswold restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Right on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll find The Bear Inn. Enjoy modern twists on pub classics in a historic pub with traditional features, rustic furnishings, a pleasant beer garden and a roaring open fire. After working up an appetite while paddleboarding, try our Baked Camembert, Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips or, if you are visiting on a Sunday, Cirencester’s finest roast.
If you’re a fan of beer-battered fish and chips, love a classic Sunday roast (with all the trimmings, of course), or you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, stop by The Beckford Inn for a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant and a friendly atmosphere. Ideal for a break after paddleboarding, exploring the Gloucestershire countryside, or after a spot of shopping in Cheltenham – go on, you deserve it!
The Prince Of Burford gastropub is situated right on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and near to many of the Cotswolds paddleboarding locations. Treat yourself to their famous Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips, Cotswold burger, or decadent vegetarian pumpkin and ricotta tortelloni. Pair any of these delicious meals with a selection of award-winning Butcombe beer behind the bar.
Overlooking the River Avon, there’s not many views as spectacular as at The Fleet Inn. Enjoy a delicious alfresco classic pub meal in ambience, with the babbling sounds of the river mere metres away, and a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer in your hand – the perfect way to spend an evening after an exhausting day of paddleboarding.
The Royal Oak gastropub in Prestbury is nestled between the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Cheltenham Racecourse, making it the perfect place to rest after a tiring time paddleboarding. It boasts log fires, a dog-friendly snug bar and dining room with high quality pub food and excellent real ale. Choose from a selection of locally-sourced pub classics with modern twists, with options for kids, vegans, vegetarians, and other dietary requirements.
The Victoria Arms restaurant in Old Marston is a traditional pub on the banks of the River Cherwell, serving locally-sourced food and award-winning Butcombe beer. With tranquil riverside garden views, it’s the perfect place for a hearty meal, a few pints, or cosy pitstop while exploring the local countryside or to relax after a day of paddleboarding.
There are a lot of places to paddleboard in the Cotswolds, so you should think about whether you want to try stand-up paddleboarding along the River Avon or at one of the many lakes.
Then you should consider whether you want to bring your own paddleboard – if you have one – or if you’d rather hire a paddleboard in the Cotswolds.
If you’re new to SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), a thick and wide paddleboard is generally best, but if you’re more experienced, you might prefer something thinner and more agile. The ideal length of your paddleboard is around 9-10 inches taller than your height.
It’s best to check the weather before you go paddleboarding, as strong winds and waves can make it more challenging.
Finally, you’ll need to research whether you’d like a guided paddleboard session or you’d prefer to go it alone.
There are plenty of places for paddleboarding in the Cotswolds during your visit.
You’ll see a totally different side of the Cotswolds on your SUP (stand-up paddleboard) as you take to the waters.
Here are our recommendations for where to paddleboard in the Cotswolds
There are several start and finish points along the River Avon that are ideal for paddleboarding.
Whether you would like to explore the edge of the Cotswolds around Bristol, dip into the South of the Cotswolds near Bath, or go deeper into the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Westonbirt Arboretum, the River Avon ticks all of the boxes.
If you’re looking for a supervised paddleboarding session (ideal for children or those new to SUP), 4 Lakes Water Ski School is a great choice.
Offering supervised watersports for the whole family, you can have fun and get fit at the same time.
Situated at Lake 32 in the Cotswold Water Park, Waterland Outdoor Pursuits boasts a lake that has been divided so that multiple watersport activities can be enjoyed at the same time.
It also offers an onsite café and is approved by all of the National Governing Bodies for watersports.
Located between Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, South Cerney Outdoor offers its own lightweight SUPs for you to hire during your paddleboarding session.
You can also enjoy canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, or indulge in a tasty treat or a drink at The Lodge.
Whether you prefer paddleboarding, kayaking, or you’d like to captain your own pedalo or rowboat, Cotswold Country Park & Beach has it all across 2 lakes.
Visitors can also opt to take a leisurely stroll around the lakes, enjoy a hot drink or snack in the cafe or bring their four-legged friend for a bit of fresh air by the water.
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